Yeah the reddish orange spot on the edge of the opercular "ear" flap is typical of Pumpkinseeds. There is a lot of variation in about all of the Lepomis though. And _a_lot_ of hybrids. Pumpkinseeds have longer more pointed pectoral fins than longears, but this can be hard to discern. Also, they have very short "ear" flaps by comparison (to Longears), and a particular spotting pattern that is usually arranged as vertical chain-like bars on the body. But again, this can vary widely. Female and juvenile longears also have a short ear flap. Pumpkinseeds not in full color usually have a yellow belly and pelvic fins, This yellow is not really prominent on other parts of the body. Young longears are more evenly colored in this regard. It can definitely be challenging to separate certain Lepomis species.
longear or pumpkinseed?
- Thread starter AMcCaleb
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